My home country has been named as the most scenic in the world, but I am shocked at how little of it has actually been explored by Brits. In a study by DiscoverCars.com, the country was named the most scenic country in the world, thanks to its amazing cliffs, beaches and sweeping green landscapes. And what’s even better, the small yet mighty country is under an hour from the UK by plane, and it can be relatively cheap to get to.
If you haven’t guessed already, the country I hail from, located right beside the UK and easy to get to via plane and ferry, is Ireland. As a Dublin native, I am well used to seeing a slew of tourists around the city. Attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and the many lively Irish pubs make for a fun weekend city break, but Ireland has much more to offer than Dublin, particularly in the western half of the country.
Since moving to the UK more than two years ago, I have met many Brits who tell me they have visited Ireland, and most of the time, they tell me that they have only visited Dublin. It makes me happy that people love my home city and that they have an unforgettable time there, but I think it’s a crying shame that they have no idea about some of the most scenic parts of Ireland.
This is somewhat surprising to me, considering how close Ireland is to the UK. There are parts of Ireland that I think every tourist needs to visit, and at the top of my list is County Donegal.
Located in the northwestern corner of the island of Ireland and bordering Northern Ireland, County Donegal is the country’s most remote area, where you feel like you are stepping back in time.
County Donegal has been praised for its natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to truly escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. Donegal is not connected to any major Irish cities via train, so you need to rent a car to get there.
You can arrange to collect a car from whichever airport you fly into, whether it’s Dublin, Derry, Belfast or Shannon. When looking for somewhere to stay in Donegal, you will likely pick one of the country’s many quaint towns, such as Donegal Town, Ballybofey, Bundoran, or Killybegs. There is also the largest town in the county, Letterkenny.
Donegal is a true taste of Ireland, perhaps truer than what you’ll experience in the capital city, Dublin. In many parts of Donegal, Irish is still the spoken language, with English being many people’s second language.
The highlights of Donegal include the Slieve League Cliffs, which are actually the tallest sea cliffs in Europe. These staggering cliffs stand at almost 2,000 feet tall. The reviews of this site speak for themselves, with people describing the Slieve League cliffs as “absolutely breathtaking” and “jaw-dropping” on TripAdvisor.
In terms of natural beauty, there is plenty more on offer in Donegal. One of the highlights is Malin Head, which features a coastal walk that offers insane views of the northwestern coast of Ireland.
There is also Glenveagh National Park, which truly proves why Donegal is Ireland’s unbelievable hidden gem. The national park features a number of highlights, including the Derryveagh Mountains and Lough Veagh.
Other top-rated attractions in Donegal include the Doagh Famine Village, Donegal Castle, Mount Errigal, Fanad Head Lighthouse, Silver Strand Beach and Moghera Beach and Caves.